Welcome to Foods-4-Thought, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about teen depression and suicide........
Help us bring this issue to light 'One conversation at a time'.
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Food-4-Thought seeks to raise awareness about Teen Suicide through the age old practice of conversing over a meal. Through the use of recipes, the gathering of family and friends over a meal, or the sharing in food preparation around a kitchen, where stories are shared, we hope to make a difference in the world. We hope to transform the discussion - or lack of discussion - about the risk of teen suicide from one of stigma, to one which is informed, and open to the possibility of preventing future suicides. Suicide is a difficult topic. Unfortunately, it is one that is often NOT discussed in a family until after it is too late. We need a greater understanding of the causes, the warning signs, and the options for treatment PRIOR to the loss of a loved one. And we hope through the sharing of experiences, over a meal, that we can begin to make a difference. There is no better time to start than now.
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| Troy Crites and his Daughter Rachel |
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Troy Crites, Director
On January 19, 2007, Rachel Crites and Rachel Smith went missing. Two weeks later, after a nationwide search, the two girls, age 18 and 16, were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning - Suicide. After thorough review of all the factors that led to this tragic event, it is clear that more coud have been done to prevent this great loss. Mr. Crites has dedicated his time and talents to helping other parents avoid the same experience he has had in life. As a speaker at various forums in the Greater Washington DC area, he brings a passion to the cause which is understandably personal. As a senior executive in the defense industry, he also brings solid leadership and business experience to Foods-4-Thought.
Mr Crites also serves on the Board of a related Not-For-Profit: The Adolescent Self Injury Foundation (ASIF). This organization deals with the related and growing issue of Self Injury (aka cutting) in teens. Please visit www.adolescentselfinjuryfoundation.org for more information on this topic.
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| Nelly and Wai Lee |
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Nelly Lee, Treasurer and Wai Lee, Director
Nelly is an experienced professional executive with a broad knowledge in marketing, business development and global ventures. As a volunteer coach and through her dedication to making a difference, she has enrolled many individuals in the belief they can create positive shifts within themselves and impact the world around them. She and her husband, Wai, who created the vision for Foods-4-Thought, are volunteering their time and talents (as are all participants - no salaries will be paid, and thus all donations will go directly to helping the cause directly!) to making a lasting difference in reducing the losses experienced through Teen Depression and Suicide.
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| Laura and family |
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| Laura Lee, Secretary
As an accomplished engineer in the highly competitive defense industry, and a single mother, Laura understands the challenges of raising children in todays high stress life. She understands the importance of open communications with her teen age children, and the devastating impact that suicide can have on a family. She (and her children Alex, Casey and Ryan) have dedicated their time and energy to the Foods-4-Thought effort to help give back to the community and try and make a difference for those families who need help in dealing with the challenges we all face in raising teens. Through 'One conversation at a time', they hope to raise awareness about the risks and cures for teen depression and ultimately, reducing the risk of suicide.
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| Joan Goodman, Director |
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| Joan Goodman LCSW-C, BCD, Director
Joan Goodman specializes in the treatment of adolescent self-injury, depression and suicide, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, effective parenting, and group therapy. Joan obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology from the George Washington University in 1976, and her Master's in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in 1979. Licensed in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, she has received extensive postgraduate training in the Advanced Studies Program from Georgetown University Medical Center from 1995-2002. Joan is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and is designated Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, the highest level of recognition available through professional societies. In 2005, Joan joined a panel of experts at USA Today, as well as, provided training to the Montgomery County Fatality Committee on adolescent depression and suicide. Joan is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class of 1996, and was the Chairperson for the Montgomery County Youth Workers Training Committee for 17 years. She has been interviewed for the Washington Post, the Bethesda Magazine, the Gazette newspapers and has been featured on local television news and radio shows. In 2009, she founded the Adolescent Self Injury Foundation (ASIF). She has been called upon to serve as an expert witness for the Maryland State Attorney's Office, trained counselors, teachers, nurses and administrators of schools and has been the keynote speaker for professional and lay audiences. Today, Joan maintains a private practice as an adolescent specialist in Rockville, Maryland.
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At Foods-4-Thought, we hope to provide a site where familes who have experienced suicide can share with others memories of their loved ones, and perhpas their loved one's favorite recipes. Through this experience, we hope to provide solace and support in coping with their loss. We also hope to make others aware of the experience in hope that they will be better prepared to deal with the challenges of teen depression and precule a similar loss. We hope to use the venue of mealtime to expand the conversation about this problem, as it is only through improved awareness and acceptance of the risk will parents and families take the steps necessary to seek treatment. And by enrolling top chefs in the cause, we hope to provide 'world class' foods which people want to share with others - thus expanding awareness 'One conversation at a time'. Finally, we hope to use the publication of a cookbook which shares these recipes and stories to raise awareness and funds that will be donated to charities which provide services to those directly affected by teen depression and suicide.
Contact us at "support@foods-4-thought.org"
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